Introduction

Overview about PTSD

It is normal and natural to be afraid during and even shortly after a traumatic incident. Individuals usually experience several reactions after trauma, and they soon recover from the symptoms as time goes by. When these symptoms continue over a long time, it becomes PTSD. PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is a psychiatric disorder that can develop in some people after exposure to or witnessing a traumatic circumstance or situation.

 

Facts & Figures

What are the key facts and statistics about PTSD?

• PTSD is common. It develops in up to 10% of people who have experienced trauma.
• PTSD is twice as likely to affect women and people assigned female at birth as compared to male counterparts.
• It is estimated that about 6 out of every 100 persons will develop and experience PTSD at some point in the lives.

 

 Risk Factors

What are the risk factors for PTSD?

• Experiencing trauma such as sexual assault.
• Chronic or repeated trauma.
• Mental health disorders.
• Childhood trauma.
• Injury during an event.
• Lack of social support after a traumatic incident.

 

 Signs & Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of PTSD?

General symptoms of PTSD are:

• Nightmares.
• Flashbacks.
• Outbursts of anger.
• Not remembering crucial details of the traumatic incident.
• Negative thoughts about yourself or others.
• Avoiding reminders of the traumatic incident.

PTSD signs and symptoms have been categorized into 4 groups, and these are:

•  Intrusion.
•  Avoidance.
•  Altered mood and thinking.
• Alterations in arousal and reactivity.

 

Further discussion:

Intrusion

•  PTSD is characterized by intrusive thoughts such as unwanted memories.
• Nightmares.
• Flashbacks of the incident which can feel as though they are very real.

Avoidance

• PTSD is characterized by avoiding;

1.  Talking about the occurrence or even your feelings about it.
2.  Reminders of the incident such as people, activities.
3.  Thoughts or remembrance of the incident.

Altered mood and thinking

• Loss of memory about crucial details of the event.
• Feeling of detachment from other people.
• Fear and horror that are continuous.
• Inability to experience positive emotions.

Alterations in arousal and reactivity

• Outbursts of anger.
• Self-destructive behavior.
• Hypervigilance.
• Inability to concentrate or even sleep.

 

Types

What are the most common types of  PTSD?

Acute stress disorder and complex PTSD are two conditions that are closely related to PTSD.

Acute stress disorder. It is a short-term mental health condition. It happens within the first month after experiencing a traumatic incident.

Complex PTSD. It develops as a result of chronic trauma. For example  long-term sexual abuse or domestic violence.

 

 Diagnostic Procedures  & Tests

How is  PTSD diagnosed?

• There is no single test that can pinpoint PTSD.
• A diagnosis is made after a thorough review of:

1.  Presenting signs and symptoms.
2.  Medical and mental health history.
3. History of  traumatic incidents.

• In order to get a PTSD diagnosis:

1. Symptoms must last for more than 4 weeks (1 month).
2. The symptoms must cause significant distress or problems in daily activities and functioning.

 

• Health-care providers employ criteria for diagnosing PTSD from the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
• To diagnose an individual with PTSD, one must have had the following signs and symptoms for at least 1 month:
•  At least;

1. One intrusion symptom.
2. One avoidance symptom.
3. Two thinking and mood symptoms.
4. Two arousal and reactivity symptoms.

 

In addition, a physical examination and blood tests (to rule out any physical conditions with similar symptoms) are performed.

 

 Treatment and Management

Does PTSD have a cure?

Currently, PTSD does not have a definitive curative drug.

 

How is PTSD treated?

Treatment strategies:

• Psychotherapy.
• Medicines.

 

Psychotherapy

• It is the main form of treatment for PTSD.
• It is also refferd to as talk therapy.

• Forms of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are used for PTSD. These are:

1.  Cognitive processing therapy.
2. Trauma-focused CBT.
3. Group therapy.

 

Medicines

Medications such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medicines can be used to improve certain symptoms.

 

 Complications

What are the complications of PTSD?

• The following are conditions which are common in people with PTSD and can worsen PTSD symptoms:

1. Neurological conditions such as dementia.
2. Mood disorders.
3. Anxiety disorder.
4. Substance use disorder (alcohol).

• Increased frequency of suicidal thoughts and tendencies is another complication of PTSD.

 

Prevention

How do we prevent PTSD?

• PTSD arises as a result of experiencing or witnessing a traumatic incident.
• It is impossible to prevent traumatic events.
• In order to prevent development of PTSD, protective factors can be employed right after experiencing a traumatic event. These include:

1. Joining a social support group.
2. Seeking support from friends and family.
3. Embrace positive feelings.